Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton says he hopes Fernando Alonso can return to fighting at the front of the pack in Formula 1 next season, following several years of sub-par results.
Alonso’s last victory came in 2013, and he has not mounted the podium since mid-2014, having been lumbered with uncompetitive machinery at McLaren-Honda.
Ongoing performance and reliability issues have restricted Alonso to just two points finishes in 2017, with McLaren poised to sever its relationship with Honda and switch to Renault power for 2018.
Alonso has not yet clarified his plans for next year, insisting that he will make a decision once McLaren's prospects become clear.
Hamilton and Alonso competed for the title as McLaren team-mates in 2007 and the Mercedes driver says he hopes the 36-year-old will return to the front of the fold in 2018.
“I hope he’s got a car to fight with us next year,” said Hamilton.
“That adds to the spectacle and the challenge; we want to see the best drivers and the best teams up there.
“It has been a shame not to have McLaren historically where they have been.
“Whether it’s with McLaren or wherever Fernando is next year, [I hope] he has a chance to be fighting with us.”
Hamilton also added that he is approaching this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix “on full attack”, despite the Marina Bay Street Circuit expected to suit Ferrari and Red Bull more than Mercedes.
“I think Red Bull will be fast this weekend and it’s not going to be the easiest of weekends potentially,” he said.
“But I’m coming with positivity and plan on winning this race; the others have more downforce or whatever, but we’ve worked hard to understand the car and we come here on full attack.”
Hamilton currently leads Sebastian Vettel in the standings by three points, having secured back-to-back wins in Belgium and Italy.
